Bob Wright, 86

Robert L. Wright, age 86, of Sturgis, passed away Friday evening, June 23, 2023 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.

Bob was born March 23, 1937 in Hillsdale, the eldest son of Cecil D. and Thelma L. (Cary) Wright. The family moved to Sturgis when Bob was 8. They then bought “The Farm” on Hackman Road in Burr Oak when he was 12. Bob was a graduate of Burr Oak High School with the class of 1955, proudly placing 8th in his class (of 13). He then furthered his education at Albion College earning an Associate Degree.

Bob first worked at Citizens State Bank in Sturgis when he was introduced to his co-workers roommate Marjorie “Marge” Machan. Their first date was November 2, 1957 and they were then married May 3, 1958 at Trinity Lutheran Church by the Rev. Herbert Heidenreich. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage when she preceded him in death November 21, 2020.

Bob worked at the Kirsch Company in Sturgis for 35 years as payroll supervisor. He then worked for Hutson Assessing doing field work until his retirement in 2007.

He was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as church treasurer, usher and many other roles. He was involved in Junior Achievement as an instructor in the 1960’s. Bob was a Trustee for Sherman Township and their representative on the Fire Board for the Tri-Township Fire Department. Bob was truly instrumental in improving the department. He spent a lot of effort researching and planning the maintenance building that houses the fire trucks at the Township Hall.

Bob and Marge enjoyed camping, boating, antiquing, and remodeling projects. They also enjoyed their monthly card club with dear friends and attending their kids and grandkids sporting events. They supported the Sturgis Trojans long after their kids were out of school.

Bob and Marge wintered in Florida for several years until his health forced them to stay in Michigan. You could usually find him building things and tinkering in his shop. They truly enjoyed having the whole family together and taking the grandkids camping.

He is survived by his children: Terri (Victor Stefaniak) Fieberkorn of Kalamazoo, Martin (Kristine) Wright of Tompkinsville, Kentucky and Laura (Brad) Morris of Buchanan; six grandchildren: Dylan (Priscilla) Walton of Sturgis, Joel Wright of Charlotte, North Carolina, Adam (Melody) Wright of Weiden, Germany, Katie (Harry) Frederick of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, Samantha (Jeff) Kyles of Noblesville, Indiana and Cody (Torie) Morris of Niles; six great grandchildren: Dalton and Sage Wright, Cassydi, Kellan, Camille and Kenna Kyles; brothers: Teddy (Sharon) Wright of Three Rivers and Kent “Skook” (Janet) Wright of Avon Park, Florida; brothers-in-law: Phil (Harriet Smith) Long of Sturgis and Robert (Kelly) Machan of Sturgis and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Marge and sisters-in-law: Margaret Long and Gayle Wright.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Robert Wright will be held at 1:00 on Sunday, July 16th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis. The Revs. Calvin Kolzow and Larry Matro will officiate.

The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091. If you care to send flowers, please send carnations as Bob always said “they last the longest and you get your moneys worth”.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Thurston Woods Village for the exceptional care their father received for the past 2 ½ years and to Gentiva Hospice for the care they gave to Bob these past six months.

Terri, Martin and Laura would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank their uncle Ted for being much more than a brother to their dad but a true friend. Your weekly (or more) visits with dad over the past many years and always being there for him was certainly not unnoticed and will be forever remembered. “Thank You Uncle Ted”!